Advanced Power BI: Data Modelling, DAX & Decision-Grade Dashboards Workshop
Master the model and language beneath Power BI: dimensional modelling, DAX and decision-grade dashboard design. Five intensive, hands-on days.
Course Overview
A five-day advanced training for analysts who can already build reports and now want to master what lies beneath them: a correctly architected data model, true command of the DAX language, and the design science that turns data into decisions. Across five intensive, hands-on days it covers dimensional modelling and the VertiPaq engine, the full DAX evaluation model, Power Query, dashboard design, and security, closing with a build-and-present capstone. Participants leave able to reason about their models and measures, not merely assemble them.
Introduction
Most Power BI users can drag a field onto a canvas; far fewer can explain why a measure returns the wrong total, why a refresh crawls, or why a polished dashboard quietly misleads the executives reading it. The difference is never the buttons, it is the model, the language, and the design principles underneath. This programme is built around those fundamentals rather than the interface, so the skills it teaches survive every Power BI release. Delivered practitioner-led on real datasets, it is fast-paced and unapologetically advanced, designed to move capable report-builders to genuine analytical fluency in a single focused week.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:
- 01Design and implement scalable dimensional data models using star-schema principles
- 02Develop advanced DAX calculations using row context, filter context, and context transition
- 03Create sophisticated time-intelligence solutions for standard and custom fiscal calendars
- 04Build reusable analytical frameworks using calculation groups and advanced DAX techniques
- 05Optimize model performance using VertiPaq Analyzer, DAX Studio, and Power BI diagnostics tools
- 06Develop efficient Power Query transformation workflows and refresh strategies
- 07Design accessible, high-impact dashboards using visualization and information-design principles
- 08Apply statistical integrity techniques to improve analytical accuracy and reduce reporting bias
- 09Implement Row-Level Security (RLS) and governance controls for enterprise reporting environments
- 10Build and deploy decision-grade dashboards that support strategic and operational decision-making
Who Should Attend
Strategic Revenue Africa’s Advanced Power BI: Data Modelling, DAX & Decision-Grade Dashboards Training is designed for professionals seeking to strengthen their business intelligence, data modelling, and dashboard development capabilities.
Ideal participants include:
- Business Intelligence Analysts
- Power BI Developers
- Data Analysts
- Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialists
- Finance Analysts
- Performance Management Professionals
- Operations Analysts
- Data Engineers
- Reporting Officers
- Data Governance Professionals
- Consultants and Advisory Professionals
- Managers responsible for organizational reporting and analytics
Training Methodology
This programme uses a hands-on, practice-driven approach designed to build both conceptual understanding and practical Power BI expertise. Learning is structured around real-world application, continuous practice, and guided instructor support.
The methodology includes:
- Instructor-led demonstrations of key concepts and techniques
- Guided hands-on exercises for immediate application of skills
- Real-world business scenarios and case studies
- Performance optimization and troubleshooting workshops
- Dashboard design reviews based on best practices
- Collaborative problem-solving and peer learning sessions
- Structured lab exercises using realistic datasets
- Analytical modelling challenges and dashboard critique sessions
- A capstone project simulating real organizational reporting needs
Organizational Impact
By enrolling participants in this training, organizations can expect to realize the following benefits:
- Improved accuracy, consistency, and reliability of business intelligence reporting
- Stronger data governance and reporting standards across departments
- Enhanced decision-making through trusted and timely analytical insights
- Faster dashboard performance and reduced report refresh times
- Increased efficiency in data preparation, modelling, and reporting processes
- Better visibility into organizational performance through decision-grade dashboards
- Reduced dependence on external consultants for Power BI development and maintenance
- Improved security and compliance through effective access-control mechanisms
- Greater return on investment from existing data and analytics platforms
- Increased organizational capability to support evidence-based planning and performance management
Personal Impact
By participating in this training, participants will gain practical, career-enhancing capabilities, including:
- Advanced expertise in Power BI data modelling and dashboard engineering
- Strong proficiency in DAX programming and analytical calculations
- Improved ability to diagnose and resolve reporting and performance issues
- Enhanced skills in dashboard design, data visualization, and data storytelling
- Greater confidence in presenting and defending analytical findings
- Increased ability to support strategic planning and executive decision-making
- Stronger technical credibility within data, analytics, and business intelligence teams
- Improved career advancement opportunities in analytics, reporting, and business intelligence roles
- Practical experience gained through real-world case studies and capstone projects
- The ability to build scalable, enterprise-ready reporting solutions
Course Outline
- Understanding modern business intelligence ecosystems and reporting architectures
- The role of semantic models in enterprise analytics
- Designing effective fact and dimension tables
- Defining business processes and establishing the correct grain
- Star schema versus snowflake schema modelling approaches
- Conformed dimensions and enterprise-wide reporting consistency
- Understanding cardinality and relationship optimization
- Exploring the VertiPaq engine and columnar storage architecture
- Evaluating Import, DirectQuery, Composite Models, and Direct Lake storage options
- Understanding the DAX calculation engine
- Row context versus filter context fundamentals
- Context transition and its impact on calculations
- Mastering CALCULATE() and filter modification
- Working with ALL(), ALLSELECTED(), and ALLEXCEPT()
- Building dynamic percentage and ranking calculations
- Understanding relationship propagation and expanded tables
- Troubleshooting incorrect totals and calculation anomalies
- Best practices for maintainable DAX development
- Building robust enterprise date dimensions
- Understanding Power BI time intelligence architecture
- Creating Year-to-Date (YTD) and Year-over-Year (YOY) calculations
- Designing custom fiscal and retail calendars
- Developing semi-additive measures for balances and inventory
- Using variables (VAR) for improved performance and readability
- Implementing calculation groups for reusable analytical logic
- Leveraging window functions for advanced analysis
- Optimizing DAX performance using DAX Studio
- Understanding Power Query architecture and M language fundamentals
- Query folding and source-level optimization techniques
- Data transformation best practices
- Incremental refresh and large-dataset management
- Dashboard strategy and decision-support frameworks
- Applying visual hierarchy and information-design principles
- Effective use of colour, accessibility, and dashboard usability standards
- Designing intuitive navigation with drill-through and tooltips
- Dashboard performance tuning and optimization
- Understanding statistical integrity in dashboard reporting
- Identifying common analytical biases and reporting pitfalls
- Applying normalization, benchmarking, and comparative analysis techniques
- Designing trustworthy metrics and performance indicators
- Implementing static and dynamic Row-Level Security (RLS)
- Governance frameworks for enterprise Power BI environments
- Version control and lifecycle management for reporting assets
- Building a complete decision-grade dashboard solution
- Presenting and defending analytical design decisions
Certification
At Strategic Revenue Africa, our certification goes beyond proof of attendance—it represents practical competence and measurable capability. Upon successful completion of our training programs, participants are awarded a Certificate of Completion from Strategic Revenue Africa, recognizing their ability to apply acquired knowledge in real-world settings. As an organization focused on architecting sustainable revenue and strengthening organizational performance, our certifications signal that participants are equipped with skills that drive results, not just theory.
Programme Inclusions
- Course materials & workbook
- Certificate of completion
- Post-training support (90 days)
Schedule & Investment
Upcoming Dates & Fees
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